while serving in the navy, he also managed to obtain advanced management training at harvard business school. he has a combination of practical military experience in budgeting and management knowledge. my respect is a major reason so many chose to join this coalition. it is my pleasure to introduce admiral mike mullen. [applause] >> thank you for your leadership on the project, which, as he said, goes back decades. i really do appreciate all of you coming here today in what is a truly critical juncture for our nation in terms of our national security. our economic viability and continuing leadership role overseas. it was in response to a reporter's question more than two years ago that i first linked these concerns. asking simply, what is the greatest threat. i got asked that all the time. i entered into words. our debt. i think i surprised him. today, 15 former senior national security officials who served across eight presidential administrations, have formed a coalition to stress the need for elected officials to act. not only has the passage of time exacerbated some of these prob